They rise up & call her blessed….

I love staying home with my kids, there, I said it.

I am proud to see so many advocating for moms that desire to work outside the home, it’s about time, but I don’t want to lose the voice of those who genuinely feel called to it. My love for this role by no means is blanketing the hardship, frustration or limited self care that can often accompany it. All I’m saying is that it is OK to love it, enjoy it and embrace it! It is equally ok to feel none of these sentiments for it. There’s no right answer, noble answer, or who is a better mom answer here. We were all designed with different gifts to offer this world and just because mine may involve the everyday chores of house work & childcare (along with student, esthetician-during nap time & many leadership roles), doesn’t make them less valuable or more important. For those momma’s who feel called to other passions, in addition to loving and mothering their children, is inspiring!!! Think of what a gift you are giving your children to have them be cared for in a socially, educational, loving environment, in addition to, what gift you offer to your profession! Serious applause here!!! You not only fill your passions but still take on the 24/7 role as mommy & that is worth giving praise. I know so many moms that have almost become ashamed to recognize that they enjoy being a stay-at-home mom. They enjoy the volunteering, play dates, pick up schedules & house work (well that last one is debatable). This does not make you boring, uneducated, without passion or purpose. This makes you human, a mom, a life giver & life breather. You are the ones that other moms know they can call when they are in a bind & need someone to help watch their little’s. You are the mom that new moms look to for encouragement & advice. You are the mom that sits with her babies to paint, read and bake (maybe just 1 of the 3…but still, you are there). You are mom.

Moms, we were all given a gift that many women never get to experience, motherhood. We were given gifts of talent & drive, life & breath. Let’s love on those momma’s that work & raise kids, because they are following their heart & raising well rounded children while doing it. Let’s love on the momma’s that stay at home, nurturing & teaching, because they are doing Gods work. Whether we choose public schools or home-school, cry it out or hug it out, we are all just doing the very best we can. Their is no room here for judgement, shame or gossip. There’s no room for putting down one moms method because it’s not your own. This season of life is exhausting, humbling, hard. This season of life is short, innocent & educational. This season of life is building tiny humans into loving adults (hopefully, fingers and toes crossed here). This season of life is ours.

If you ever find yourself doubting or wandering where you, we, fit into this spectrum of motherhood…just open proverbs. The book of wisdom, that teaches us how we were made, loved & built. Our father saw us not just has butt wipers but warriors. As the backbone that fed & clothed our families, protected them in the storm & never tired. As a humanitarian that cared for those in need with strength & dignity. As a source of laughter & light when the world says otherwise. We are to be noble and not want what others have. While our beauty may slip away with stretch marks & cellulite, our ‘fear’ (meaning in awe of or reverent to) of the Lord is what will be praised.

The Wife of Noble Character, Proverbs 31:10-30

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies….

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants….

17. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night…

20. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet….

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness….

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Let’s turn to our fellow sisters and congratulate them. Congratulate them for a job well done. Congratulate them for surviving yesterday & taking on today.

You are amazing, you are beloved, you are blessed. Thank you for all you do, thank you for your differences, thank you for your gifts, thank you for your babies. Our world is a better place because He chose you to be a mom.